Breast Augmentation

"Firmer Breasts. Flattering Shape. Fantastic Figure."

If your breasts aren’t creating the “wow” look you want, don’t feel like you have to live with that dissatisfaction. Dr. Straka believes every woman should feel like the best version of herself. Tailored breast augmentations are designed to enhance the contours of your body by transforming the size, shape, or position of your breasts.

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Who Benefits From Breast Augmentation?

Small Breast

Some women with naturally small breasts may have always been unhappy with their breast appearance. Smaller breasts may be associated with thinner breast tissue, which Dr. Straka takes into consideration when helping you design your breast augmentation.

Deflated Breasts

Asymmetrical Breasts

Design Your Breast Augmentation

There are a number of decisions that need to be carefully considered during your breast augmentation procedure that will impact your cosmetic outcome. Because of the importance of these decisions, Dr. Straka works with each patient to develop an individual treatment plan designed to achieve the safest and most successful breast enhancement possible.

Implate Type

Saline Implants

These implants are FDA approved for women 18 or older, they are comprised of a shell filled with a saltwater soltution. You may choose saline implants because they utilize short incisions, they are adjustable during surgery, and have a lower rate of capsular contracture.

Silicone Implants

Silicone Implants – Silicone implants are FDA approved for women 22 or older and are comprised of a shell filled with a cohesive silicone gel. You may choose silicone implants because they better simulate the feel of natural breast tissue, are form-stable, and have less surface rippling or wrinkling.

Implant Shapes

Round Implants

Dr. Straka commonly uses round implants because they tend to fill in the cleavage area to a greater degree, which can better treat upper breast volume loss following pregnancy.

Anatomical Implants

This is a teardrop-shaped implant with more projection at the bottom of the implant than at the top. Dr. Straka will advise during your consultation if you are a better candidate for this implant shape.

Implant Profiles

Profile Range

Implant profiles range from moderate to ultra high and affect the ultimate projection of your breasts. Moderate profiles have a greater width with less overall projection. These ultra high profiles have a very narrow base and the greatest projection and roundness.

Incision Options

Dr. Straka will discuss the pros and cons of each incision with you to determine which one is best suited for you. Every effort will be made to ensure that the incision is placed so that the resulting scars will be as inconspicuous as possible.

Periareolar – The incision runs along the outer border of the areola, which can mask the appearance of scars along the colored edge.
Inframammary – The incision is placed along the inframammary crease beneath the breasts, and scarring can be hidden by the lower breast tissue.
Transaxillary – The incision is placed within the armpit, and an endoscope helps place saline implants.

Placement Options

Submuscular Placement

Dr. Straka prefers to place the breast implant behind the chest wall muscle (pectoral muscle). This placement feels and looks more “natural,” as there is a greater amount of tissue covering the implant. It typically results in a lower rate of capsular contracture and easier imaging of the breast during a mammogram.

Subglandular Placement

The placement of the implants is above the muscle and typically results in more palpable implants and visible rippling. Studies show a higher rate of capsular contracture with implants placed above the muscle.

Sizing Options

Several methods can be used to determine the implant size that is necessary to achieve your goals. During your consultation, you may place sample implants in a bra to simulate the appearance of these implants on your body. Dr. Straka performs detailed preoperative breast and chest measurements to ensure that your implants appropriately fit your chest. Dr. Straka also uses breast implant sizers during your surgery to confirm that the implants you have chosen are the best to fit your frame and will help you meet your goals.

Concerns

Recovery

You will experience bruising and swelling following your surgery. A support bra is typically worn for two to four weeks to help support your breasts throughout the recovery process. Patients can usually drive and return to work after five days. You can resume light activities after two weeks but shouldn’t continue your full exercise routine for six weeks.

Scars

The scars left by incisions will remain pink for the first six weeks or so. Over the following months, the scars will fade significantly, becoming more difficult to detect. Massaging scars or using scar tape may help soften scars, allowing them to fade more rapidly.

Cost

The cost of breast augmentation varies depending on the type of implant used. A price estimate will be given during your consultation with Dr. Straka. However, financing options are available with various terms and rates through CareCredit®.

Pain

The first 24 to 48 hours following breast augmentation will be the most uncomfortable. Most patients experience mild breast soreness and a pressure sensation. Most of your discomfort can be controlled with pain medication.

Risks

Risks associated with breast augmentation may include but are not limited to temporary breast soreness, swelling, changes in nipple sensation, hematoma, infection, and capsular contracture. These risks are best discussed in person with Dr. Straka. Each person’s risks vary depending on their natural anatomy and medical history.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does breast augmentation surgery take?

Breast augmentation surgery takes between one and two hours to perform. The length of your surgery can vary depending on the implant and incision used.

What type of anesthesia is used for breast augmentation surgery?

Breast augmentation surgery is performed with the patient under a general anesthetic to put them to sleep. Dr. Straka uses a board-certified anesthesiologist to administer your anesthesia.

What does being a board-certified plastic surgeon mean?

Being a board-certified plastic surgeon indicates that Dr. Straka has the training and experience to make him uniquely qualified to perform your cosmetic or reconstructive procedures. The American Board of Plastic Surgery is dedicated to promoting safe, ethical, and efficacious plastic surgery for the public. To do so, all doctors who are certified must maintain the highest standards of education, examination, and certification.

How long do breast implants last?

The lifetime of the implants varies from person to person. Implants may require replacement to treat the deflation of an implant. Some breast implants last a lifetime. Implant manufacturers may offer lifetime warranties on their breast implants.

What is breast implant massage?

You can gently massage your implants starting about one week after surgery to help keep them soft and mobile.

Are drains used for breast augmentation surgery?

It is rare for Dr. Straka to use drains for breast augmentation.

How should I prepare for my breast augmentation surgery?

You will be asked to refrain from taking aspirin and diet medications for at least two weeks prior to surgery. If you smoke, you will be asked to stop at least three weeks before surgery since smoking can inhibit the healing process. You will be provided with prescriptions for pain medication prior to your surgery so that you have them on hand as you need them. On the day of your breast augmentation surgery, you should wear loose-fitting clothing, preferably a button-down shirt. Be sure to have a spouse, family member, or friend present to drive you home after the operation. Depending on your medical history, Dr. Straka’s individual instructions may vary.

Do implants interfere with my ability to breastfeed?

Breast augmentation surgery shouldn’t interfere with your ability to breastfeed. There is no way to predict how breast implants will affect your experience with breastfeeding until you start. However, most women find that their implants do not significantly inhibit the ability to nurse.

Can I have mammograms if I have implants?

Yes, you will be able to have mammograms if you have implants. Make sure to inform your technician that you have breast implants. Most technicians are familiar with the proper techniques to obtain a good image of the breast tissue with implants in place.

What is capsular contracture, and how is it treated?

Capsular contracture occurs when the scar tissue (capsule), which normally forms around the implant, tightens over time and compresses the implant. This process makes the implant firm, painful, and less mobile. Additional surgery may be needed in cases where pain and/or firmness are severe. This surgery ranges from the removal of the scar tissue around the implant to the removal and possible replacement of the involved implant.

Will I lose nipple sensation after breast augmentation surgery?

A small percentage of women experience a change in nipple sensation after surgery, most commonly an increase in sensation, which often resolves within three weeks. It is very uncommon for a patient to lose sensation permanently.

What is breast augmentation revision?

Dr. Philip Straka also specializes in performing revisional, or corrective, breast surgery that is designed to improve and refine the appearance of a previous breast augmentation. Revisional breast augmentation surgery allows Dr. Straka to “revisit” the work of another doctor and to use his significant experience, training, and expertise in cosmetic breast enhancement to improve the shape, implant position, and softness of the augmented breast. Many patients are referred to Dr. Straka for these challenging repair operations.